Need Help from the vets

So I have been doing all this research about WLS...really thinking that RNY will be my route.  I wanted Dr. Champion, but he is not on "the list" arghghghh I know what Docs are on my list... Here is where I need help... Who should I go to? (Duncan, Hixon, Lin, Steinberg) With which doctor will I get to my goal of WLS sooner? Any of these docs have great support staff to navigate you through the approval process quickly? I am going to a DMC-Steinberg Seminar this week & an Emory Seminar next week.  Have filled out paperwork for Dr. Hixon but am holding on to it till I know for sure. Thanks in advance for any help...I am ready to go!

Hello Sweetie,  My name is Jeannie and I'm a Support group leader for OH and I have serveral of my members that have used Dr. Duncan and Dr. Lin. They really liked them. I'm having a meeting tonight at Henry Medical center. If you would like you can look at this link for more information ( http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/jeannie4759_group ) then look at events for my group meetings. I would love to have you come and meet my members that have used these Doctors.  Hug's Jeannie

  I can see where you are coming from about your decision to have WLS. Please, Please, Have your WLS done in Atlanta by Dr. Duncan or Champion. In our area, There were some deaths, and other medical things that happened.My WLS was RNY and completely successful! I had the Grand opening and would have prefered having Lapro, but couldn't because the Dr. didn't want to take the time to go around scar tissue. I would do the RNY all over again, but I would search out a Surgeon, who would be willing to take additional time in the proceedure. You are headed in the right direction by having the proceedure done in the Atla. area. Dr. Duncan requires pre- surgery attendance of a Information- support meeting. This was the policy ,before I had my RNY. Go to the meetings!  You will be more able to make a decision. Some of the staff of Dr. Duncan held the Meeting I was present at.

Our support group is composed of people who stayed here and had their surgery and more who went to Atlanta. Almost all of the people are 3mo- 8yrs post. Many have lost 200lbs and are doing fantastic! Search people and make comparisons based on their  losing and maintaining their weight loss. Some can maintain the weight loss, some have many difficulties. My Prayers are with you as you make this important decision that will change your life and the members of your family. It's all about the new you!  Blessings- Nenna RNY2002   Wt loss 126lbs current wt. 117lbs  beginning wt.242lbs. 64yrs. 5'2 and a size 4 jeans

WOW...I hope I can be that successful.  My stats are just about the same as yours were. 

Well here is my two cents.  I went to duncan for my surgery.  but he did not physically do my surgery.  someone in his group did.  BIG MISTAKE.  i regreat that to this day.  So from what i hear Duncan is good but make sure you are getting Duncan.  if  you get someone working for him  and something happends then Duncan will not fix it.  TRUST ME on this.  he woudl not even look at me to fix the problem.   Laura

If you go to steinberg...he will be doing your surgery...he's not at a teaching hospital. If you think this is a "fast" process....trust me...it's a process. I've done well w/steinberg...as a patient he knows who I am...crap...he better...I'm on his wall. ;) I guess I'm biased...he's cute. All kidding aside...he's gone out of his way to help me.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my post.  I just went to their seminar last week.  I didn't get to meet Dr. Steinberg.  Dr. Menachery was there.  They seemed like they have the work (to get approved) down.  And Dr. Menachery had recent data  to share...technical data...he seems very thorough. What did you think of having your surgery at DMC? Would you agree??

I had Dr Hobson and he works on Dr Duncans team. I had the surgery on July 9th 07 and I have not had the first problem at all. I have not been sick a day or had that dumping syndrome that everyone speaks of. I have lost 230 pounds to date and I feel great. I had to loose 100 before surgery though. I would do this surgery again and again if I had too. This person, Dr Hobson saved my life. I will be eternally grateful to him forever. I applied and filled out paperwork for Hixon but that one did not pan out for some reason. I have never heard of the others.

I hope this helps you dear. Have a good day. Renee

Thanks to all who have taken the time to read and answer my post.  I am truly scared to death.  Not of the surgery (believe it or not)...but of not succeeding-again.  I know this is what I need to do.   I liked Dr Menachery...Dr Steinberg was in Aruba:) for the seminar...I go to the Emory thing this week to hear from them. Let me clarify something too...I know that this is a "process"  that WLS is a tool.  I have to do the work.  When I meant I want to get to WLS sooner, I meant I have done years of research, understand the medical aspect (I'm a nurse) and am ready to have the surgery...truly ready.  And I do not want to have to "sit on the tarmac" for months before I get to go. With that being said, I was wondering with which group I will have to wait the least (I know that alot depends on clearances and insurance) Again thanks for everyone's comments.  You all inspire me!